Pompey winger set for Blackpool return

Granted, the town located on the south bank of the River Tees and the setting for the Rolling Stones’ first performance outside of London has a somewhat tarnished reputation.

Full of smog, as the tired cliche goes.

Mind you, having been there, it’s hard to completely disagree.

Nonetheless, Middlesbrough today represented the gateway to the promised land.

It had been the golden fleece to Pompey fans, long hunting it in Jason and the Argonauts fashion.

A new era, a fresh dawn – the mouthwatering start of the season.

Regardless of today’s result, the campaign has been approached with the same optimism and thoroughly good spirits as it is every year.

That’s football for you.

Never has a clean slate been so warmly embraced, irrespective of the papering over of all manner of cracks.

Not that Blues fans don’t have every reason to be buoyant.

After all, they more than most appreciate the first day of term – especially when it also signifies the grand opening of Convers Sports Initiatives’ reign.

It all began today. Life started here.

Such has been the level of optimism among the Fratton faithful, almost 8,500 season tickets have been sold. It is a staggering amount following the false start provided by the previous ownership and their influence over controversial ticket pricing.

As it stands, the figure is not far short of last term’s 9,200 tally – an impressive return considering the battering supporters have taken during the past 12 months.

The famous Pompey loyalty continues to remain unshakable, irrespective of what is happening on or off the pitch.

Except this time the fans are accompanied with genuine belief they are strolling in a golden sunshine towards a glorious destination.

And it’s an exciting vision which will remain unaffected no matter what today’s Riverside result produced.